Humid air in your home isn’t just uncomfortable; it can lead to a host of problems, from musty odors and sticky surfaces to potential mold growth and damage to your home’s structure. If you’re tired of battling excess moisture, a Honeywell Whole Home Dehumidifier might be the perfect solution. These robust systems are designed to integrate with your existing HVAC, offering comprehensive humidity control across every room, ensuring your entire living space remains dry, fresh, and healthy year-round. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose, use, and maintain the ideal Honeywell solution for your family.
Understanding Different Types of Home Dehumidifiers
Before diving into Honeywell’s offerings, it’s helpful to understand the general categories of dehumidifiers available, although whole-home units typically fall into a specific type for their efficacy.
Condensate (Refrigerant) Dehumidifiers
Condensate dehumidifiers, also known as refrigerant or mechanical dehumidifiers, are the most common type for both portable and whole-home applications. They work by drawing moist air over a cold coil, similar to how an air conditioner operates. As the air cools, the moisture in it condenses into water droplets, which are collected in a reservoir or drained away. The now-dry air is then reheated and released back into the room.
- Pros: Highly efficient in warmer, humid conditions (above 60°F / 15°C), widely available, effective for significant moisture removal.
- Cons: Less effective in cooler temperatures, can be noisy in portable units (though whole-home units are usually quieter as they are installed remotely).
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Our Picks for the Best Home Dehumidifier in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waykar 80 Pints 2025 Energy Star Dehumidifier for Spaces up to 5,000 Sq. Ft for Basement and Home, Large Room with Drain Hose and 1.14 Gallons Water Tank |
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| 2 | hOmeLabs Dehumidifier for Home, Office, Basements with Powerful Moisture Removal, Humidity Control, Auto Shut-off, Quiet Operation - 7,000 Sq Ft Wi-Fi (50 Pint MAX 120 Pint at 95°F, 90% RH) |
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| 3 | 5000 Sq. Ft Dehumidifiers for Home and Basement, Max 95 Pint/Day Dehumidifier with Drain Hose, Compressor Dehumidifier with Humidity Control, 24H Timer & Child Lock, for Bedroom, Large Rooms |
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| 4 | 4500 Sq.Ft Most Efficient Energy Star 2025 Dehumidifier,AEOCKY Max 80 Pint/Day Smart Compressor Dehumidifier with Drain Hose, Intelligent Humidistat,for Basement,Bedroom,Home,Bathroom |
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| 5 | Dehumidifier, 98OZ Dehumidifiers for Home(1000sq.ft), Humidity Display Dehumidifier for Basement Bathroom Bedroom, Auto Shut Off, Washable Filter, Drain Hose, Timer, 7 Ambient Lights, White |
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| 6 | NineSky Dehumidifiers for Home, 95 OZ Water Tank, (1000 sq.ft) Dehumidifiers for Bathroom Bedroom Basement with Auto Shut Off,7 Colors LED Light(White) |
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| 7 | Dehumidifier,TABYIK 35 OZ Small Dehumidifiers for Room for Home, Quiet with Auto Shut Off, Dehumidifiers for Bedroom (280 sq. ft), Bathroom, RV, Closet |
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| 8 | 2500 Sq.Ft Dehumidifiers for Home with Drain Hose Max 34 Pints, VEAGASO Dehumidifier for Basement, Large Room, Bathroom, Bedroom, Three Modes, Intelligent Humidity Control, Dry Clothes, 24HR Timer |
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| 9 | Dehumidifier,95OZ Dehumidifier for Home 1000 Sq.Ft - Quiet with Auto Shut Off & Relaxing 7 Color Ambient Light,Ideal for Livingroom, Bedroom, Basement(Black) |
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| 10 | Waykar 2000 Sq. Ft. 2025 Energy Star Dehumidifier for Home and Basements, with Auto or Manual Drainage, 0.66 Gallon Water Tank Capacity |
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Desiccant Rotor Dehumidifiers
Desiccant rotor dehumidifiers use a special material (a desiccant) that absorbs moisture from the air. The desiccant is typically coated onto a rotating wheel. As air passes through one section of the wheel, the desiccant absorbs moisture. Another stream of air, heated, then passes through a different section of the wheel, regenerating the desiccant by drying it out and carrying the moisture away.
- Pros: Extremely effective in cooler temperatures (below 60°F / 15°C) and very low humidity environments, quieter operation.
- Cons: Generally more expensive to operate than condensate types, often have lower moisture removal capacity for very large spaces compared to high-capacity refrigerant units.
Desiccant Chemical Dehumidifiers
These systems use absorbent chemicals (desiccants) to pull moisture from the air. Unlike rotor types, they typically don’t involve a rotating wheel but rather a chamber where air passes over a bed of desiccant material. Once saturated, the desiccant often needs to be replaced or regenerated externally.
- Pros: Can be very effective for specific industrial applications or small, sealed environments.
- Cons: Not commonly used for residential whole-home applications due to complex regeneration processes and maintenance, higher ongoing costs for desiccant replacement.
For whole-home solutions like those from Honeywell, the condensate (refrigerant) type is overwhelmingly preferred and implemented due to its efficiency and integration capabilities with central HVAC systems.
Detailed Comparison: Whole Home Dehumidifiers vs. Portable Units
While portable dehumidifiers offer localized relief, a whole home dehumidifier provides a superior and more consistent solution for managing indoor humidity.
| Feature | Honeywell Whole Home Dehumidifier | Portable Dehumidifier |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Area | Entire home (up to 4,000 sq ft+) | Single room or small area (up to 1,500 sq ft) |
| Installation | Integrated with HVAC system, professional installation recommended | Plug-and-play, no installation required |
| Maintenance | Minimal; periodic filter cleaning, professional check-ups | Frequent emptying of water tank, regular filter cleaning |
| Noise Level | Very low; typically installed in basement or attic, quiet operation | Can be noticeable, especially in living spaces |
| Convenience | Set it and forget it; automatic operation via humidistat | Manual operation, tank emptying, moving between rooms |
| Energy Efficiency | Generally more efficient for whole-home coverage | Less efficient for whole-home coverage due to localized effort |
| Aesthetics | Out of sight, seamlessly integrated | Visible appliance, takes up floor space |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost (unit + installation), lower long-term operating | Lower upfront cost, higher long-term operating for whole-home needs |
How to Choose the Right Honeywell Whole Home Dehumidifier
Selecting the ideal Honeywell whole home dehumidifier requires careful consideration of your specific needs and home characteristics.
Determine Your Usage Needs
Start by assessing the problem. Do you experience consistently high humidity, or is it seasonal? Consider your home’s total square footage and how many levels it has. Are there specific areas like basements or crawl spaces that are particularly damp? Identifying these factors will help determine the necessary capacity.
Dehumidifier Capacity (Pints Per Day)
The capacity of a dehumidifier is measured in pints of water removed per day. This is a critical factor. Honeywell whole home models range from around 70 to 120 pints/day.
- For homes up to 2,500 sq ft with moderate humidity: A 70-pint unit might suffice.
- For homes up to 3,000 sq ft with very damp conditions or up to 4,000 sq ft with moderate humidity: Look for 90-100 pint models.
- For larger homes (4,000+ sq ft) or extremely damp conditions: A 120-pint or higher capacity unit would be more appropriate.
It’s always better to slightly overestimate capacity than underestimate, especially in very humid climates.
Essential Features to Look For
Modern Honeywell whole home dehumidifiers come with features designed for convenience and efficiency.
- Automatic Humidistat: This allows you to set your desired humidity level (typically 45-55% RH is ideal), and the unit will automatically turn on and off to maintain it.
- Continuous Drainage: Whole home units are designed to drain directly into a floor drain or condensate pump, eliminating the need to empty a water bucket.
- Built-in Air Filtration: Many models include a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rated filter, which helps remove airborne particles, improving overall indoor air quality.
- Bypass or Stand-Alone Operation: Honeywell units can often be installed in bypass mode (using existing HVAC ductwork) or as a stand-alone unit with dedicated ducting, offering installation flexibility.
- Remote Control/Monitoring: Some advanced systems allow for control and monitoring via a smart thermostat or home automation system.
Noise Levels and Installation
Since whole home units are typically installed in basements, attics, or utility closets and integrated with your ductwork, noise is generally not an issue within living spaces. However, ensuring proper installation by a qualified HVAC technician is crucial for optimal performance and quiet operation. They will ensure correct ducting and vibration isolation.
Brand Reputation and Price
Honeywell is a well-established and trusted brand in home comfort and HVAC solutions, known for reliability and innovation. While the initial investment for a Honeywell whole home dehumidifier and professional installation can range from $1,500 to $3,500 or more, consider it a long-term investment in your home’s health, comfort, and structural integrity. Compare specific models, features, and warranty periods when making your decision.
Top Honeywell Whole Home Dehumidifiers You Should Consider
Honeywell offers a range of whole home dehumidifiers designed to meet various needs. Here are some popular models and what makes them stand out:
Honeywell DR120A1000 TrueDRY DR120
- Overview: A high-capacity model suitable for large homes and very humid conditions.
- Pros: Excellent moisture removal (120 pints/day), MERV 11 filtration for improved air quality, capable of working as a stand-alone solution or integrated, robust build quality.
- Cons: Higher initial cost.
- Ideal For: Large homes (up to 4,000 sq ft+), homes with significant humidity issues, basements, and crawl spaces.
Honeywell DR90A1000 TrueDRY DR90
- Overview: A versatile and popular choice for medium to large homes.
- Pros: Good capacity (90 pints/day), efficient operation, MERV 11 filtration, quiet performance, flexible installation options.
- Cons: Might be undersized for extremely large or very damp homes.
- Ideal For: Medium to large homes (up to 3,000 sq ft), general whole-home humidity control.
Honeywell DR65A1000 TrueDRY DR65
- Overview: A compact and efficient option for smaller homes or specific damp zones.
- Pros: Energy-efficient (65 pints/day), MERV 11 filter, ideal for smaller applications or pairing with existing systems, more budget-friendly.
- Cons: Lower capacity means it’s not suitable for very large or excessively humid environments.
- Ideal For: Smaller homes (up to 2,000 sq ft), apartments, or dedicated basement/crawl space humidity control.
Using and Maintaining Your Honeywell Whole Home Dehumidifier
Proper usage and regular maintenance are key to maximizing the lifespan and efficiency of your Honeywell whole home dehumidifier.
Effective and Safe Usage
Once installed, your whole home dehumidifier operates largely autonomously.
- Set Desired Humidity: Use your thermostat or a separate humidistat to set the target humidity level, typically between 45% and 55% relative humidity for optimal comfort and health.
- Continuous Operation: Allow the unit to run as needed. It will cycle on and off based on the humidity levels detected.
- Keep Doors/Windows Closed: To prevent outside humidity from constantly entering and overwhelming the system, ensure doors and windows are closed when the dehumidifier is running, especially during humid periods.
- Monitor Performance: Occasionally check the humidistat reading to ensure the system is maintaining the desired levels.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
- Filter Replacement/Cleaning: Your Honeywell unit will have a MERV rated filter that needs periodic cleaning or replacement. Honeywell recommends checking the filter every 3-6 months. A clean filter ensures optimal airflow and efficiency. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to access and clean/replace the filter.
- Coil Cleaning: Annually, have an HVAC professional inspect and clean the coils if necessary. Dust and debris can accumulate on the coils, reducing efficiency.
- Drain Line Inspection: Periodically check the condensate drain line to ensure it’s free of clogs and draining properly. A clogged drain can lead to water backup and system shutdown.
- Professional Servicing: Schedule annual professional maintenance for your entire HVAC system, including your whole home dehumidifier. A technician can inspect all components, check refrigerant levels, and ensure everything is running optimally.
Comparison of Top Honeywell Whole Home Dehumidifier Models
Here’s a quick comparison of key specifications for popular Honeywell models:
| Model | Capacity (Pints/Day) | MERV Filter | Max Coverage (sq ft) | Operating Temp Range (°F) | Installation Type | Price Range (Unit Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrueDRY DR120 | 120 | MERV 11 | 4,000+ | 40-140 | Ducted / Stand-alone | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| TrueDRY DR90 | 90 | MERV 11 | 3,000 | 40-140 | Ducted / Stand-alone | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| TrueDRY DR65 | 65 | MERV 11 | 2,000 | 40-140 | Ducted / Stand-alone | $1,000 – $1,300 |
Note: Price ranges are approximate and can vary based on retailer, promotions, and specific model features. Installation costs are additional.
Smart Tips for Choosing a Honeywell Dehumidifier on a Budget
Investing in a Honeywell whole home dehumidifier is a significant decision, but there are ways to manage costs without sacrificing quality.
- Focus on Capacity Needs: Don’t overbuy. If a 90-pint unit is sufficient for your home, there’s no need to spring for a 120-pint model, which will cost more upfront.
- Look for Sales and Rebates: Many utility companies offer rebates for energy-efficient HVAC equipment, including whole home dehumidifiers. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales from authorized dealers.
- Compare Installation Quotes: Get quotes from several qualified HVAC technicians. Installation costs can vary, so comparing can save you hundreds.
- Consider Long-Term Savings: While the upfront cost is higher than a portable unit, a whole home system is more energy-efficient for comprehensive humidity control and can reduce potential damage from excess moisture, saving you money on repairs in the long run.
> “A whole home dehumidifier is not just about comfort; it’s a critical component of healthy indoor air quality and home preservation, especially in humid climates.” – Sarah Chen, HVAC Systems Engineer
Common Questions When Buying a Home Dehumidifier
What is the ideal humidity level for a home?
The ideal indoor relative humidity level is generally between 45% and 55%. This range is comfortable for most people and discourages the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites.
Can a Honeywell whole home dehumidifier also help with air conditioning?
While a dehumidifier removes moisture and can make the air feel cooler and more comfortable, it is not a substitute for an air conditioner. However, by reducing humidity, your AC system won’t have to work as hard to achieve comfort, potentially leading to energy savings.
How long do whole home dehumidifiers last?
With proper installation and regular maintenance, a Honeywell whole home dehumidifier can last 10 to 15 years, similar to other major HVAC components.
Is professional installation necessary for a whole home dehumidifier?
Yes, professional installation by a certified HVAC technician is highly recommended. They ensure correct integration with your existing ductwork, proper electrical connections, and efficient drainage, which are crucial for optimal performance and warranty validity.
What are the main benefits of a whole home dehumidifier over portable units?
The primary benefits include consistent whole-house humidity control, improved energy efficiency (for whole-home coverage), silent operation (as the unit is out of sight), continuous drainage (no bucket emptying), and improved indoor air quality with integrated filtration.
Conclusion
Investing in a Honeywell whole home dehumidifier is a smart move for any homeowner seeking to improve their indoor environment. By effectively controlling humidity throughout your entire house, you’ll enjoy enhanced comfort, healthier air, and protection against moisture-related issues like mold and structural damage. With Honeywell’s reputation for quality and reliability, you’re choosing a solution that brings lasting peace of mind. Remember to select the right capacity, consider key features, and ensure professional installation to get the most out of your investment. Are you ready to transform your home into a consistently dry and comfortable sanctuary?
